Ophthalmic Services: Learning Disability

All optometrists are expected to be aware of, and comply with, the General Optical Councils standards of practice, which requires optometrists and dispensing opticians to communicate with patients in a way that they can understand. Guidance issued by the College of Optometrists also sets out that when examining patients with learning difficulties, optometrists should use tests that are appropriate to the patient’s needs.

NHS England is also rolling out a Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag which supports health and care staff to tailor care in line with the specific reasonable adjustment a person needs, including any needs in relation to their learning difficulty. The flag allows health and care staff to easily see and share the adjustments needed for that person to access services equally, such as longer appointments, easier-to-read communication, or different booking methods. This is in addition to the requirement for all National Health Service organisations to comply with the Accessible Information Standard and ensure that people with a disability, impairment, or sensory loss can access information they can easily read and understand.